Principles of Behavioral Economics: Bringing Together Old, New and Evolutionary Approaches

This book provides a comprehensive synthesis of behavioral economics, drawing from Richard Thaler, Herbert Simon, evolutionary psychology, and evolutionary economics to explore how people think, live, and adopt new technologies. It covers topics such as consumer behavior, firm behavior, structural change, and financial system instability, and will be of interest to academics and graduate students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This remarkable book stands out as a groundbreaking contribution to the field of behavioral economics, offering a comprehensive synthesis that brings together diverse strands of thought. It seamlessly integrates the behavioral economics popularized by Richard Thaler, earlier approaches such as those of Herbert Simon, evolutionary psychology, and evolutionary economics, spanning from the works of Veblen and Marshall to neo-Schumpeterian thinking. Through the application of a complex adaptive systems framework, the book delves into the intricate processes of human cognition, lifestyle formation, and the gradual adoption of new production technologies and products. By utilizing a wide array of compelling examples, it expands the scope of behavioral economics beyond its recent emphasis on nudging consumers to encompass the behavior of firms and other organizations, the complexities of achieving structural change and transitioning to environmentally sustainable lifestyles, and the instability of the financial system. This comprehensive exploration makes the book an invaluable resource for academics and graduate students seeking a deeper understanding of behavioral economics and its potential future directions.

Weight: 855g
Dimension: 244 x 170 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009095891